Don't do this on Your Walt Disney World Vacation

[@AJCMagicTV]

Don’t wait to the last minute to leave park for Your Magical Express.

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

AJC Magic TV hahahahahahahaha yes

[@CalanReichel]

@@JourneyTogetherToday DONT TAKE THE MAGICAL EXPRESS

[@grantedklass777]

AJC Magic TV yes

[@amandal7456]

Hold that magical express! 🤣

[@lisagimblett8646]

Definitely bring an umbrella every day.... it always seems to rain a bit. We also pack a sweater for evenings but also for wearing in restaurants because the air conditioning can be to cold. Extra footwear and bandages for blisters is essential. Great tips!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Lisa gimblett such great tips. 😊👍👍

[@52patdog]

I’ve actually coached 3 teams to the pop warner championship and stayed both at all star sports and pop century. If I wasn’t coaching that week I 100% agree with you! Thats funny you said that!

[@joiviolette]

Great tips Michael! Especially about bringing flip flops or sandels when the weather changes. I did this on christmas day. Knowing we were goingvto be out all day and into the night. I brought my ssndels to change too. To give my feel a break from my tennis shoes. It was a good choice. I used to bring a change of clothes when the kids were smaller. I have brought an extra shirt just in case. Thanks Michael. 💖💖💖

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Joi Violette thanks so much. 👍

[@kelleydisney31]

I will never carry around souvenirs that we purchased. Sending them back to the resort (if you can) is so much easier!!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Kelley Disney another great tip!

[@scotthouston4714]

@@JourneyTogetherToday Also if you are not staying in one of the Disney Resorts. You can get them sent somewhere up to the front of the park you are in that day. Then pick them up on your way out.

[@Shopah0lic26]

When we stayed at animal kingdom we booked a standard view and got upgraded to a pool view by Disney! There’s always that chance that you can get upgraded.

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Danessa Martinez so true!!

[@KendalRose000]

I totally agree with waiting for the fireworks crowd to disperse before leaving magic kingdom! It’s so nice to grab a patch of hub grass, relax and talk to your friends and family for 30 minutes. Sometimes it’s hard to find those “stop and smell the roses” moments when everything is so go go go so I cherish this time. Plus you miss the crazy crowds! Win-win!

[@TheMouseDiva]

Totally agree with having shorts available if you are coming from a cooler area! We drive from Western North Carolina and I always put a pair of shorts in the backseat of the vehicle and change into them during our Florida Welcome Center stop.

[@CalanReichel]

A huge piece of advice nobody mentions .... if you can afford waterproof shoes BUY THEM! Salomon has pairs starting at like 120$ and they a amazingly comfortable. They are also what tim tracker wears

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Calan Reichel 😊👍 good tip

[@amybrock2592]

I'm a big fan of my Keenes. Comfortable and cool and waterproof!

[@GregsDisneysadventures]

Awesome tips michael!!!!

[@olafpamela]

Boy oh boy, I am glad we are not the only one that makes these mistakes!! Thanks for sharing

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Pamela A. Cobb oh trust me. It’s not just you. 😊

[@ryanthompson232]

The All Star Resorts scare me any time of year!

[@SuperTopher01]

Always pack your bathing suit essentials in your carry on for early arrival! We take the early flight and day one while awaiting room availability is a pool day. Thank you Michael, great tips!

[@BrandyDave]

Great tips in here, Michael!! I just wear shorts to the airport no matter the season!! Shorts in Pittsburgh in January - why not!!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Brandy & Dave so glad it helped!

[@sarahraegraham]

Brandy & Dave Howdy, fellow yinzers 😉

[@BrandyDave]

sarahraegraham 🤣PA proud ! 😁

[@Normise]

Michael, we save the shops on Main Street for when the fireworks are over. I am always soooo tempted to go in them during the day, but we save it for when everyone is exiting the park after the fireworks. Feels more special because we've waited all day, we miss all the crowds exiting, and if we do buy something we can take it back to the resort straight away and enjoy it (we haven't had to carry it around or get it sent to our resort). We also mostly get the shops to ourselves, not very busy at all. By the time we leave it feels magical because there are only a few people in the park, and we get to the buses we usually walk straight on as the first rush of crowds are gone. Which is great because we usually need a seat or two just for our shopping.

[@DaveKay]

Great suggestions!

[@ldenisecantu3566]

I too tend to rush through the Park. So I vow to slow my pace, and enjoy the surroundings! I don't know why I always feel like I have to rush from ride to ride, and land to land. I know the layout of Disneyland like the back of my hand, and now I want to take in all the little details that I miss.

[@stevecorbett8901]

Never count on an Uber at the end of the night.😲🤓

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Steve Corbett oh great addition 👍👍

[@stevecorbett8901]

I went to Hoop dee doo, plenty available before the show, after nothing. Had to take the last bus to Magic Kingdom and then waited through 5 busses to get back to POP.🤓

[@susanwolfla6016]

@@michellemartin4847 too many people are ordering them, so the wait is prohibitive, plus, they know they can charge whatever they want. I found it to be a 25 minute wait for a car, and a $50 charge--no thanks!

[@1210starshine]

I really dont like to leave the parks right after fireworks. I prefer to stay and wait; take my time; do some shopping or window shopping. Speaking of, its a great time to look at the beautiful window displays at MK.

[@dislife4me600]

I agree 100% about the Animal Kingdom view. The full view is the reason to stay there ... loved it when we did. And I also agree about the All-Stars. Thank you as always for your advice and tips!

[@judyp4421]

Micheal, you will never live down almost missing the magical express to the airport!!😂🤣

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Judy Payne 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cromulus6877]

That dining plan did a number on me too. I learned a lot that trip about how to better use dining reservations on the plan.

[@herewegowithomacarr2204]

Both times I have booked standard view at Jambo house we were on a partial Savannah. Once we stayed on the ostrich trail where we even had zebras and other animals. The other standard view was also a small part of the Savannah. I realize we could have seen the pool or parking lot? But it worked out both times for us. I love Jambo House!

[@TheLightingTech]

Michael, to add on to the Pop Warner Football, Cheer, and Dance competition week in December, know too that there are also eight, non-consecutive weeks/weekends between the months of Janurary and May where Varsity Spirit and Contest of Champions holds their Cheerleading and Dance competitions and most of their athletes stay at the All-Star resorts during these competitions too. To check those dates so you can avoid them, check out the event schedule for the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

[@TheMouseDiva]

Totally agree. Have been there in early February and had cheerleading and dance groups practicing early in the mornings and late at night (when we were trying to sleep). So lesson learned and will pay extra for a moderate resort.

[@jennamelissa]

I do agree with you about the all-star resorts and Pop Warner, did it once never again

[@sandynorris2571]

Lol great tips for sure. Love your vlogs.😀❤️

[@HeatherTravels]

I forgot all my socks when we went to WDW in 2015! I did buy six pairs of cute Mickey socks in the Port Orleans-Riverside gift shop.

[@barbc3829]

Yep we did not know about All Star high school gatherings. But we were told they were booked up when we arrived, so we were upgraded to SaratogaSprings. How nice. Kitchen and washer/dryer right in our unit. Our luggage however did not get delivered until 3 am. So we were super tired the next day and missed out on the first evening park entrance due to the transfer time. In all it was a good experience with one park hopper ticket for each of us for the day we wished. And having the appliances in our rooms was nice as we were traveling with 3 young kids. Oh I forgot the jacuzzis in our suites too. Super nice after a day at the parks. .

[@bedtimebear2006]

I loved this video! Great idea for a video!

[@scotthouston4714]

Well I have never stayed in the resorts you listed, Anyways I really enjoy Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. Since it feels like you are in the middle of the Wilderness when camping or staying in one of the Cabins. If there was no pictures of Disney and Disney items inside the cabins. You could easily forget you are not that far from the Magic Kingdom. We usually had breakfast in the cabin we stayed in.

[@shellyh631]

Michael being a PopWarner Parent to a past Cheerleader we stayed in Riverside & I don’t think the girls are as bad & have more time for studying along with a early curfew. Just a thought.

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Great thought

[@pattyk3063]

Thanks for the awesome tips Michael!!!😊

[@image360houston-spring2]

How wonderful!!!

[@stevenjames90]

Regarding the fastpass tip for walk ons; I don't mind it so much when I've used my first 3 and I'm doing 1 by 1. If we always planned on doing Figment (and we always do), I don't care as much using my next 1 for it. Then I scan and immediately look for another!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Steven James great addition! You are book your next one immediately after 👍👍

[@Johndonny13]

My biggest thing about planing r Disney trip is planing which day of the week is better to go to each park ( to beat the crowds) going in April of next year

[@sandrablade]

We always stay at allstars but we only stay pos once a year and then it’s late June early July time and it’s fine for me

[@sandrablade]

Tiff Prendergast what that meant to mean

[@MouseTalk]

I always tell people "Don't be a prisoner to your dining reservations". I've seen people book too many dining and always have to do only what works around their reservations. That can make for a limited and sometimes less magical vacation. I always tell folks to book a few but have some open times for flexibility. Great Video Michael. Have a great day from a fellow Marylander.

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Mouse Talk thank you! 👍

[@ChristysCorner]

Lol we totally overbook dinning too. I forgot to pack body wash once. We stay at AKL in standard but request partial view and love it because you get a view but without paying the extra. We also ask for bunk beds for the kids

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Christy's Corner oh yes! You are not alone

[@camillematranga1998]

You are always a wealth of information. Thank you!

[@pchy99]

Pop Warner..that includes Pop Century. Stayed there in December, and their were nothing but kids for that tournament and it was complete chaos. I was so shocked how little Disney security did to manage it. Ridiculous!!

[@harrism84]

Some great tips here! Especially overbooking dining reservations!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

harrism84 oh I have made that mistake so many times 🤣

[@samichmachine]

Thank YOU for this!! My best friend is going to disney in november and is taking me along for the journey, so this is super useful to know. Super useful to know what to avoid, especially since this is my first time there since I was 5 or 6 years old- so it’s safe to say I’m going to be Exceptionally overwhelmed with options.

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

SamichMachine so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@Nimeariel]

One more thing to add for you- DON'T underestimate the amount of walking that you will be doing while you're there! Make sure that you are able to walk 10 to 12 miles per full day (not continuously but.... just over the course of the day) and also bring comfortable clothes that don't make walking uncomfortable or painful. And DON'T be afraid to tell your friend when or if you need to slow down and take a break. Unless you are just like your friend and can easily keep pace, Disney is not the kind of place to be finding out about pacing and energy levels. Have fun!!

[@samichmachine]

Nimeariel thank you! I’m actually a dog walker, and convention staffer, so walking a lot every day is my cuppa. Also gonna bathe in sunscreen and water bottles. Perks of con staffing is Always having a water bottle glued to my hip 💖💖 I appreciate the advice so so much!! I will bring my Comfiest shoes.

[@Nimeariel]

@@samichmachine That's awesome! You'll definitely be able to manage, then! I know some people who go to Disney don't realize the amount of walking and they get frustrated or end up in pain trying to keep up. Water bottles are a MUST in Florida! You sound like you're well prepared!! Oh, and don't forget, it's not 100% about the comfiest shoes, it's also about comfy socks, too! If they get wet (from sweat or rain), and they bunch up, they can HURT until you can get to a place to change shoes/socks!! My favorite are some "seamless" ones that I have from the Hanes brand.

[@samichmachine]

Nimeariel oooh thats so clever, thank u!!

[@xcxzozo3899]

Also even though it’s Florida it can get cold during the winter months so my family and I always bring at least one pair of jeans and at least One long sleeve shirt

[@meganwilliams1555]

Awesome tips today!!! From one great mom to your great mom happy mothers day!!!!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Megan Williams thank you! Happy Mother’s Day!

[@markljacobs9550]

Yes, Savana view made a Huge Difference!

[@ZiviviEntertainment]

Girlfriend and I were there the first night of Happily Ever After and thought we had enough time before getting out spots but about 20 minutes before start time, we headed back to the Castle, and they had closed off the entire section and we had to watch the firework show from Tomorrowland. Big disappointment and from now on I will always get to the park night shows early.

[@meganquiah2547]

oh no! I booked our trip this year Dec 7 - Dec 15 and we wanted Pop Century but it was full so we booked Movies... Yikes!!! Now Im really sweating it! I think I will call and see if we can change it.

[@scotthouston4714]

Megan Quiah Hmm so it looks like your first day there is going to be a Saturday and is also my Bday. Then you last day is 2 days before my Moms Bday. If you don't change it that is. You probably can't afford the moderate vaule Cabins in Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds.

[@FunFiero]

I love the All Star Sports Resort, but I don’t think I would like staying there during an event that would put the resort at capacity.

[@levdiniho12]

Great video Michael can’t wait until your vlogs at Galaxys edge I can wait

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Levdiniho10 thank you!

[@levdiniho12]

Michael Kay just realised I put I can wait it’s supposed to say I can’t 😂😂

[@jonathanduffy1320]

Love your videos man :)

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

XxMt_DewxX Dew thank you! 😊

[@whitneydnelson]

SUPER good tips! ♥️

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Whitney Pitner thank you so much!

[@ElenaChristinne]

Definitely wait in line if there's Mobile order. Never again! Mobile order is everything!!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Christinne Roach-Lugo 😊👍 another great one

[@sheilan208]

My 2 cents: don’t overpack your park bag, avoid one if it’s doable...it’s so nice to skip bag check especially if resort hopping at the monorail resorts! I agree with not making too many reservations...I enjoyed the free dining promo one time but I felt like I had to eat everything to get my $ worth. By the end, I felt uncomfortable and puffy and not energetic.

[@cameronharrison3990]

My sister is a CP at figment and she said it really varies day to day

[@Pinkkermit17]

I probably could care less about the view outside of the room since its just a place to rest your head and shower. I learned my lesson on packing once, not a trip to Disney but Mount Rushmore in late May, left Nebraska where it was extremely hot made it to South Dakota where there was a blizzard the day before, snow n the ground at the monument and my dumb butt forgot to pack jeans.. ended up wearing PJ pants almost the entire time , no Walmarts/ Targets in that area to really shop for cloths.

[@katebartlett1086]

Never go to WDW without a refillable water bottle. Purchasing bottled water or other drinks will definitely break the bank especially when it's hot and you and your family are constantly thirsty!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Kate Bartlett another super tip!

[@finned958]

At Animal Kingdom Lodge prices, what would be the point of a standard room? Stay somewhere closer and cheaper to a more popular park. Standard Disney Dining encourages table service dining every day, but not all meals. Downgrade to the cheaper plan and eat breakfast in your room. Consider Disneyland in Anaheim because the attractions and shows are increasingly difficult to reserve and see at Disney World.

[@joelhooper2220]

Ah, you forgot, “Cutting it razor thin on time and almost missing Magical Express”! 🤔 Never again, Michael Kay! Never again!!!!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Joel Hooper hahahahaha so true!!

[@themes2travel]

I'm going to wait after fireworks this time

[@kat-napzzz]

Mistakes I’ve made include trading new pins for fake pins and forgetting sunscreen🤦‍♀️

[@HannahBeakesSports]

Micheal Kay. I understand your problem with the fireworks at the parks. But I have a piece of advice. After Your dinner (if you eat at the parks) leave the park your at. DO NOT! Go to the Magic Kingdom! Instead go to Bay lake tower. Go to the top (where the bar area is) (if you want a drink there are Non alcoholic drinks for you and children) I do believe you have to be staying at Bay Lake to get up there. But if your not go to the pathway between The Contemporary and Bay Lake tower and watch the fireworks from there. This is just a way to avoid the crowds you still see the Castle a and the fireworks it’s magical with low crowds

[@jenainwonderland]

Great video!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Thank you!

[@DeathStarDiva]

It going to have rain and thunderstorms while we are there. Are you packing and umbrella or just a rain poncho? Im trying to decide. Wanted to pack lightly. Thank you

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

I personally prefer the umbrella.

[@DeathStarDiva]

@@JourneyTogetherToday awesome thank you

[@marleesnider9872]

Michael please do a cruise type vid! I love them so much!🚢

[@dewback47]

The one thing I wouldn’t do is to get on the plane to go to our temporary housing location!!

[@jojosmith1097]

Which is All Star Resorts? Is it just the 3 "All Stars" and does it include Disney's Art of Animation/Pop Century as well? Thanks

[@MizzTimmy1]

Jojo Smith it’s just the 3 All Stars (Sports, Movies & Music). Art of Animation/Pop Century aren’t included in the “All star.”

[@jojosmith1097]

@@MizzTimmy1 Thank you for the response and clarification

[@miriamcq]

My question, why paying a higher price than all stars when you can resort hop all you want?

[@philbaxter1165]

Never go to Disney World without a refillable cup. There are so many places to get free water and fill your cup, that it seems crazy to buy water for $3. Hydrate often and for free.

[@timmyb2322]

🚌 **I Will Never Underestimate My Time to Catch The Magical Express Bus** 🚌 😂 (Wink Wink) 😂 🏰 Have A Magical Day 🏰

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Timmy B Hahahaha yup! Exactly

[@lauriegrube007]

Michael- Are you a TA?

[@coricross682]

Do not get ponchos at Walgreens. They are flimsy and tore too easily. Made that mistake before my last trip. Never again!

[@johnnychannel4550]

Did anyone else see epic games on his computer dock

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Johnny channel45 ya! I had been playing with my brother David earlier 🤣

[@richardcope3850]

Well there’s nine minutes I won’t see again! Basic stuff.

[@BobsledRider]

Personally, never stay at the All-Star resorts, period. Too far from all parks, tacky décor, food quality isn’t the best, and too many unsupervised kids (for my taste). I’d rather spend the few extra bucks for a moderate.

[@jfksball3635]

Hey

[@lisaalphen633]

Totally agree with everything you said...especially regarding Animal Kingdom Lodge. Stayed in a relative's "standard view" DVC studio and we got the parking lot view for a week LOL I'll always upgrade - great video!

[@JourneyTogetherToday]

Lisa Alphen oh yes. Glad you agree. It’s an amazing difference

[@tylercoope7225]

jd

[@kathrynjames1881]

No journey for me! Sucks! Bring back original!